Fireplace and stove showroom

Homeowners upgrading or replacing a fireplace, builders and remodelers, and interior designers specifying hearth products.

Margin on units and accessories, plus installation fees and ongoing service work such as maintenance and repairs.

• Product knowledge and honest advice
• Quoting and project coordination
• Building relationships with builders and contractors

• Installation often needs a state or local license, such as gas fitting or contractor licensing, so check with your state licensing board
• Building permits and inspections for new installs, and local fire and venting codes
• Wood stove and pellet stove emissions rules, so check which models are legal to sell in your area
• General liability and product or completed-operations insurance, plus workers' compensation once you hire
• Heavy inventory costs and seasonal sales, so plan your cash flow for the slow months
• Sales tax registration with your state

Startup costs are typically around $30,000 to $150,000, depending on showroom size, the number of display units and your inventory. Inventory is heavy and sales are seasonal, so plan your cash flow for the slow months.

Check whether installation needs a state or local license, such as gas fitting or contractor licensing, with your state licensing board. Also check building permits and inspections for new installs, local fire and venting codes, and which wood and pellet stove models are legal to sell.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around $12,000 to $60,000, depending on showroom size, installation volume and the time of year. That is sales, not profit, and demand is seasonal, so plan for quieter months.